JP3646403B2 - Bathtub temperature detector - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Industrial application fields]
The present invention relates to a bathtub hot water temperature detection device that appropriately detects the temperature of bathtub hot water.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, for detecting the temperature of hot water in a bathtub, for example, a temperature sensor is provided in a pipe leading to the bathtub, and the temperature of hot water in the bathtub is detected by detecting the temperature of hot water in the pipe. This is generally used well. The purpose of providing the piping in this way is to prevent the bather from touching the temperature sensor.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional apparatus has the following problems. Conventionally, the normal temperature sensor does not actually detect the temperature of hot water in the bathtub directly, but measures the temperature in the pipe communicating with the bathtub, for example. Therefore, there is a problem in that it cannot be properly detected due to a situation in which they do not coincide with each other.
[0004]
For example, when the position of the bathtub and the position in the pipe provided with the temperature sensor are separated from each other, the temperature in the bathtub and the temperature in the pipe are easily shifted. Moreover, when the pipe | tube with which a temperature sensor is arrange | positioned exists in the position which receives sunlight, there exists a tendency for the temperature in piping to become high with solar heat. Moreover, when the temperature sensor is arranged in the circulation circuit for taking out the hot water from the bathtub and returning it to the bathtub, the temperature in the pipe tends to increase due to the influence of the additional heating means. In particular, in a hot water storage type in which hot water is heated through a circulation circuit, a part of the circulation circuit is constantly heated, and therefore tends to be high. As described above, due to various causes, there has been a problem that the actual temperature of the hot water in the bathtub and the detected temperature of the temperature sensor do not coincide with each other, and there has been a problem that appropriate bath temperature control cannot be performed.
[0005]
Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and is a bathtub hot water temperature detection device that appropriately detects the temperature of hot water in a bathtub, and further, if it is not properly detected, detection abnormality is detected. An object of the present invention is to provide a bath water temperature detection device that can be determined.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 1 heats the hot water flowing in the flow circulation circuit and a flow circulation circuit comprising a flow forward path for taking out the hot water in the bathtub and a flow return path for returning the hot water to the bathtub. A memorial heating means, a circulation pump that circulates and drives hot water in the flow circulation circuit, a memorial control means that drives the circulation pump and raises the temperature of hot water in the bathtub by the memorial heating means, and the flow circulation A flow temperature sensor that is provided on the circuit and detects the temperature of hot water in the flow circulation circuit, and when bath flow is performed, the bath water temperature at the start of the flow is determined. The bath water temperature detecting device is configured to periodically compare the temperature detected by the flow temperature sensor during the chasing operation by the chasing control means, and the new detected temperature is lower than the previous detected temperature. Count the number of times A temperature discrimination control means for adding and counting by the means, and a detection abnormality discrimination means for discriminating as a temperature detection abnormality of the bathtub when the counting means counts a predetermined number of times, and the temperature discrimination control means starts a memorial service. Therefore, the temperature detected by the flow temperature sensor when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the circulation pump is determined as the bath water temperature at the start of the memory, and is periodically detected thereafter. When the detected temperature is lower than the previously detected temperature, it is determined that the previous bath water temperature is erroneously detected, and the newly detected temperature is updated as the bath water temperature at the start of the memory. It is characterized by.
[0007]
According to the first aspect of the invention, when the flow temperature sensor detects a temperature lower than the temperature already detected, the temperature discrimination control means updates the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub based on the lower temperature. Determine the temperature of the hot water.
[0009]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the counting means counts the number of times the temperature of the bath water is updated by the temperature discrimination control means, and when the temperature is not within an appropriate temperature rise range even though the temperature is being reheated, The count means also counts the number of times. When the count reaches the predetermined number, the detection abnormality determination means determines that the bath water temperature detection device has detected a hot water temperature abnormality.
[0010]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, when the temperature discrimination control unit periodically compares the temperature detected by the flow temperature sensor during the chasing operation by the chasing control unit, the new detected temperature becomes the previous one. While the temperature rises above the detected temperature, the counting means performs addition counting even when the temperature is not within the temperature rise range due to the previous detected temperature, while the new detected temperature is due to the previous detected temperature. When the temperature is within the temperature rise range, it is determined that the state is normal, and the value counted by the counting means is cleared and initialized.
[0011]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the counting means counts the number of times the temperature of the bathtub hot water is updated by the temperature discrimination control means, and when the temperature is not within the appropriate temperature rise range even though it is being chased, Counting means counts. When the count reaches the predetermined number, the detection abnormality determination means determines that the bath water temperature detection device has detected a hot water temperature abnormality. Further, when the detection state of the flow temperature sensor once recovers to a preferable state, the value counted by the counting means is cleared and initialized.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a water heater to which a bath water temperature detecting device of the present invention is applied. This water heater supplies hot water to the bathtub or heats the hot water in the bathtub. Briefly, as shown in FIG. 1, the water heater 1 is of a hot water storage type, and the water heater 1 is arranged in a hot water storage can 10, a combustion chamber 20 disposed below it, and an upper portion thereof. It comprises an exhaust mechanism 30 provided, a burner 21 facing the combustion chamber 20, and the like.
[0013]
The hot water storage can body 10 is configured to store hot water therein, and a heat exchange coil 11 from the outside is passed through the inside to form a so-called semi hot water storage can body. The heat exchange coil 11 is a part of a bath reheating circuit or the like. The hot water storage can body 10 is connected with a water inlet 31 and a hot water outlet 32 so that water can be supplied and discharged.
[0014]
The hot water storage can 10 is provided with a hot water storage temperature sensor 12 for detecting the temperature of the internal hot water storage. Further, when the temperature of the hot water storage can body 10 itself is detected and the hot water storage can body 10 is overheated by, for example, emptying, a can body temperature sensor 13 is provided for stopping the operation.
[0015]
The burner 21 includes a spray nozzle 22 of oil or the like, an igniter 23, and a blower 24. These are, for example, based on a command from the remote controller 60, receive information from each sensor such as the hot water storage temperature sensor 12 of the water heater, and perform predetermined control operations by the burner 21 and other parts of the apparatus by predetermined control software. Command.
[0016]
In addition, in the water heater 1, a water inlet 31 for supplying city water or the like and supplying it to the hot water storage can body 10 is connected to the hot water storage can body 10, and when the hot water in the hot water storage can body 10 is used and reduced, 31. And the hot water supply path 32 for supplying hot water from the hot water storage can body 10 to the faucet 33 or to the bath side is connected. A hot water supply bypass passage 34 is connected between the water inlet passage 31 and the hot water outlet passage 32, and a proportional valve 35 is provided in the hot water supply bypass passage 34, and is supplied through the water inlet passage 31 and the hot water supply bypass passage 34 by the proportional valve 35. The hot water is supplied to the bath side at an appropriate temperature by adjusting the mixing ratio of the water to be supplied and the hot water supplied through the hot water outlet 32. The drop-off path 37 supplies hot water to the bath side, and the drop-down path 37 is connected to the hot-water supply path 32 on the downstream side of the connection point with the hot-water supply bypass path 34, and a drop-in solenoid valve 38 is arranged. Execution / stop of dropping is switched by opening / closing.
[0017]
On the bath side, a forward path 41 from the bathtub 40 to the heat exchange coil 11 for exchanging heat with the hot water storage can body 10 and a return path 42 from the heat exchange coil 11 to the bathtub 40 are provided. A circulation circuit 43 that performs reheating is configured. A flow bypass path 44 is disposed between the forward path 41 and the return path 42, and a drop path 37 is connected to the flow bypass path 44. A three-way valve 45 is arranged at a connection point between the flow bypass path 44 and the forward path 41. By switching the three-way valve 45, when the flow is dropped, the flow bypass path 44, the three-way valve 45, the forward path 41, and the flow bypass Hot water is supplied to the bathtub through the path 44 and the return path 42, and the flow bypass path 44 and the forward path 41 are shut off at the time of reheating, and the recirculation circuit 43 enables reheating.
[0018]
Further, on the forward path 41 constituting the flow circulation circuit 43, a water level sensor 46 formed of, for example, a pressure sensor for detecting the water level of the bathtub 40, a circulation pump 47 for circulating hot water in the bathtub through the circulation circuit 43, and circulation A water flow switch 48 for detecting the circulation flow in the circuit 43 and a flow temperature sensor 49 for detecting the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub are provided. On the return path 42, a water injection temperature sensor 50 is provided for detecting the temperature of water or hot water flowing through the return path.
[0019]
Next, a remote controller for instructing operation of the water heater 1 will be described. FIG. 2 shows its appearance. The remote controller 60 is provided in a bathroom, for example, and gives an operation instruction from the bathroom.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 2, the remote controller 60 is provided with a display unit 61 and an operation unit 62. The display unit 61 displays temperature information, water level information, etc. of the hot water in the bathtub. Operation switches such as an operation switch 63, an automatic switch 64, and a warm switch 65 are provided. The switch 65 is a switch that heats up and raises the temperature of the bathtub.
[0021]
Next, the controller 70 that controls the water heater 1 will be described. For example, the controller 70 controls the water heater 1 or controls the operation of the water heater based on the operation of the remote controller 60. FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the controller 70. As shown in FIG. 3, the controller 70 includes a control unit 71 and a storage unit 80, and a remote controller 60 is connected to the controller 70, and various sensors such as a flow temperature sensor 49, a circulation pump 47, and the like. Various drive units are connected.
[0022]
The control unit 71 includes a hot water supply control means 72, a chasing control means 73, a temperature discrimination control means 74, a detection abnormality discrimination means 75, an abnormality processing means 76, a count means 77, and other control means 78. The hot water supply control means 72 is means for supplying hot water to the faucet 33, supplying hot water from the hot water storage can 10 side to the bathtub 40, and controlling overall hot water supply control of the water heater 1.
[0023]
The chasing control means 73 is a means for controlling the operation of chasing and heating the hot water in the bathtub 40 through the circulation circuit 43. The tracking control means 73 controls the driving of the circulation pump 47 and determines how many times the tracking is actually performed based on the detected temperature of the hot water in the bathtub when performing the tracking. It is means of.
[0024]
The temperature discriminating means 74 is a means for accurately discriminating the actual hot water temperature of the bathtub based on a series of detection data of the flow temperature sensor 49. The detection abnormality determination means 75 is a means for determining whether or not the temperature determination control means 74 can appropriately determine the hot water temperature of the bathtub based on a series of detection data of the flow temperature sensor 49. The abnormality processing means 76 is a means for performing a safe operation or the like as the abnormality processing when the detected abnormality determination means 75 determines that the hot water temperature of the bathtub cannot be correctly determined. The counting unit 77 is a unit that adds and counts the number of times, and is used particularly when the detection abnormality determination unit 75 determines whether there is an abnormality. The other control means 78 is a means for performing control other than that described above, and is a means for monitoring various sensors and controlling data transmission.
[0025]
The storage unit 80 includes a bath water temperature information storage unit 81 and other storage units 82. The bathtub hot water temperature information storage means 81 stores the detected value of each timing of the flow temperature sensor 49 at the time of detection in addition to the detected hot water temperature of the bathtub, the value counted by the counting means 77, etc. Various information is stored.
[0026]
The other storage means 82 stores a program for operating each control means, temporarily stores the detection values of various sensors, temporarily stores the tracking temperature determined during the tracking control, Information other than is stored.
[0027]
Next, the operation of the present invention will be described. The bath temperature detection operation includes a detection operation at the time of chasing and a normal operation detection at other times.
[0028]
First, the bath water temperature detection operation at the time of memorialization will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The switch 65 provided in the remote controller 60 is a switch for instructing reheating, and is operated when the bather wants to make the hot water temperature hotter than the current hot water temperature. When the switch 65 is operated (step S1), the lamp built in the switch 65 is turned on (step S2) to notify that the operation has been accepted, the circulation pump 47 is turned on, and the bathtub 40 is turned on. The hot water is circulated through the circulation circuit 43 and heated by the heat exchange coil 11 (step S3).
[0029]
Then, after a predetermined time (for example, 25 seconds) has elapsed since the circulation pump 47 was turned on (step S4), the temperature detected by the flow temperature sensor 49 is detected as the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub (step S5). The detected temperature (A0 ° C.) at this time is stored as an initial value in the hot water temperature comparison value Ac (A0 → Ac). In this way, the temperature of the bathtub is detected after a predetermined time has elapsed since the circulation pump 47 is turned on, because the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub matches the temperature in the circulation circuit 43 provided with the flow temperature sensor 49. This is because the temperature is detected after the hot water in the bathtub 40 reaches the flow temperature sensor 49 to detect the temperature of the bathtub more accurately. This is because if the reheating is performed based on a temperature different from the temperature of the bathtub when operated by the user, the temperature desired by the user cannot be retreated. The hot water temperature comparison value Ac is the detected hot water temperature of the bathtub, and is data that is compared and updated as the detection operation progresses.
[0030]
Next, the hot water temperature comparison value Ac is compared with the detection value of the flow temperature sensor 49 (step S6). Since the hot water temperature of the bathtub gradually increases during the normal reheating operation, the detected value of the current flow temperature sensor is higher than the flow temperature detected last time and stored as the hot water temperature comparison value. In this way, during the normal reheating operation, it is next determined whether or not the hot water temperature comparison value Ac is lower than a temperature that is 1 ° C. lower than the set temperature of the remote controller 60 (step S7). If the temperature is lower, it is determined that the hot water in the bathtub is reheating, and the reheating is performed until the hot water in the bathtub reaches the set temperature of the remote controller 60 (step S8). Whether the whispering operation has been completed or not, the lamp of the switch 65 is turned off and the circulation pump 47 is also stopped (step S12).
[0031]
In step S7, if the hot water temperature comparison value Ac is equal to or higher than the temperature that is 1 ° C. lower than the set temperature of the remote controller, the hot water temperature of the bathtub is requested because the hot water temperature in the bathtub has not been reduced. As a result, the water temperature is raised to 1 ° C. higher than the hot water temperature comparison value Ac, which is the initial hot water temperature (step S9), and the chasing is finished (step S12).
[0032]
Next, the case where the flow temperature sensor 49 detects a temperature lower than the hot water temperature comparison value Ac in step S6 will be described. During normal reheating, the hot water temperature gradually increases. Therefore, when the hot water temperature comparison value Ac detected by the initial flow temperature sensor 49 is compared with the detection value of the subsequent flow temperature sensor 49, the subsequent flow temperature is detected. The detection value of the temperature sensor 49 should be higher. However, there is a case where the flow temperature sensor 49 detects a low temperature, even though it is actually catching up.
[0033]
Such a case occurs because the flow circulation circuit 43 is connected to the heat exchange coil 11 and the heat exchange coil 11 is constantly heated, so the temperature in the flow circulation circuit 43 is higher than the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub. Tend to be higher. In steps S3 and S4, hot water is circulated in the flow circulation circuit 43 to equalize the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub, but the pipe length of the flow circulation circuit 43 is long and the temperature in the pipe is sufficiently high. Therefore, the flow temperature sensor 49 erroneously detects a temperature higher than the actual hot water temperature of the bathtub. In other cases, the capacity of the circulation pump 47 is reduced, the water flow resistance of the water flow switch 48 is generated due to dust or the like, or the amount of circulating water is reduced due to corrosion in the pipe or increase of the water flow resistance due to dust adhesion. The inside may not reach the bath temperature. Further, the pipe may be exposed, and in a state where the pipe is heated by solar heat, the flow temperature sensor 49 may detect a temperature higher than the hot water temperature of the bathtub.
[0034]
Thus, if the flow temperature sensor 49 detects a temperature higher than the actual hot water temperature of the bathtub, a temperature higher than the temperature intended by the bather would be determined if the memorial temperature is determined based on that temperature. It ’s not desirable because it ’s reckless. Therefore, in this embodiment, the operations of steps S10 and S11 are performed. That is, when the flow temperature sensor 49 detects a temperature lower than the hot water temperature comparison value in step S6, it is determined whether or not the state continues for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) (step S10). If it continues, the detection temperature A1 of the flow temperature sensor 49 at that time is updated as the hot water temperature comparison value (A1 → Ac) (step S11), and the hot water temperature comparison value is updated by steps S7 to S9. The temperature to be raised is determined, and a chasing operation is performed.
[0035]
Next, the detection operation of the hot water temperature of the bathtub in cases other than reheating will be described. During the automatic operation of the bath, the bath temperature is periodically detected, for example, every 15 minutes to detect the flow state. In the operation, when the detection timing time comes, the operations in steps S3 to S6, S10, and S11 in FIG. 4 are performed for a certain period. That is, when the detection timing comes, the circulation pump 47 is driven for 25 seconds. Then, the value A0 detected by the flow temperature sensor 49 is temporarily stored as a hot water temperature comparison value (A0 → Ac). Then, the detection output of the flow temperature sensor 49 is further monitored for a certain period, and if a temperature (A1) lower than the hot water temperature comparison value Ac is detected for a predetermined period (for example, 5 seconds), the hot water temperature comparison is performed based on the detected value. It is updated as the value Ac, and it is determined that the final hot water temperature comparison value Ac is the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub.
[0036]
Next, a check operation for bath water temperature detection abnormality will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The operation in FIG. 5 is performed in parallel with the hot water temperature detection operation in FIG.
[0037]
First, it is determined whether or not 25 seconds have elapsed since the circulation pump 47 was driven (step S21), and a check operation for determining whether or not there is an abnormality when detecting the hot water temperature is started from that point. If 25 seconds have elapsed, the detected value (B0) of the flow temperature sensor 49 at that time is stored in the check comparison value Bc (B0 → Bc) (step S22). Next, it is determined whether or not it is a detection timing (step S23). For example, the detection timing is periodically set every few minutes.
[0038]
If it is the detection timing, the flow temperature sensor 49 is detected, and the detected value (B1) is compared with the comparison value for check (Bc) that has been detected previously (steps S24 and S25). If B1 <Bc as a result of the comparison, the temperature has decreased due to the cause described in step S6 of FIG. 4 and the like, so the check comparison value Bc is updated as B1 (step S26). Then, since the hot water temperature detection state is not so desirable, the counter (NG) is added by the counting means 77 (step S27). Then, it is determined whether or not the counter (NG) has reached a predetermined number. If not reached, the process returns to step S23 (step S28). If the predetermined number is reached, the detection abnormality determination means 75 determines that the bath water temperature detection state is not desirable (step S29), and the abnormality processing means 76 performs a safe operation (step S30). For example, if the driver is chasing, the chasing operation is stopped or the remote controller 60 is notified of that.
[0039]
In step S25, if B1> Bc, the temperature has increased, and it is determined whether the temperature increase is equal to or higher than X ° C. (step S31). If the temperature is lower than X ° C., which is supposed to rise, it is not a preferable state, so the process proceeds to step S27 and the counting means 77 performs addition counting. If it has risen normally, the detection value B1 is used as the hot water temperature of the bathtub, and the comparison value Bc for checking is updated with B1 (step S32). At this time, since it is in a normal state, it counts as an unfavorable state, clears the counter NG, resets the initialization (step S33), and returns to step S23.
[0040]
If the driving of the circulation pump is stopped, this routine is terminated by an interrupt.
[0041]
As a result, it is possible to determine whether or not the detection operation is normal at the same time as detecting the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub. Etc. are no longer controlled.
[0042]
In addition, although the said Example demonstrated the reheating type of a hot water storage type | mold, it is needless to say that it may apply to what reheats by combustion heating by gas etc. and exchanging heat.
[0043]
Moreover, in the said Example, although the bath water temperature detection operation | movement shown in FIG. 4 and the detection abnormality check operation | movement shown in FIG. 5 are performed as separate operation | movement, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are performed as one operation | movement flow. You may do it. Further, as a simple detection abnormality operation, the number of times of updating in step S11 of FIG. 4 can be counted and the detection abnormality state can be determined when the number of times reaches a predetermined number.
[0044]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, when a temperature lower than the temperature already detected by the flow temperature sensor is detected, the temperature discrimination control means detects the hot water in the bathtub based on the lower temperature. Since the temperature is updated to determine the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub, there is an effect that the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub can be detected more appropriately.
[0045]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the counting means counts the number of times the temperature of the bathtub has been updated by the temperature discrimination control means, and when the temperature is not within the appropriate temperature rise range even though it is being chased, The count means also counts the number of times. When the count reaches the predetermined number, the detection abnormality determining means determines that the bath water temperature is detected abnormally in the bath water temperature detecting device, so that the temperature of the bath water can be detected more appropriately. At the same time, the degree of certainty of detection can be checked according to the state at the time of detection, and there is an effect that safe detection can be performed without being controlled based on the hot water temperature detected in an abnormal state.
[0046]
Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention, even if the state is not preferable, the count value of the counting means is cleared if the hot water temperature in the bathtub can be detected in the desired state after that, so that the detection abnormality can be made unnecessary. There is an effect that it is possible to provide an easy-to-use bathtub hot water temperature detection device.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example to which a bath water temperature detecting device of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a remote controller.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a control block of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for checking a bath water temperature detection operation;
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Hot water heater 10 Hot water storage can body 11 Heat exchange coil (memorial heating means)
20 Combustion chamber 38 Flow drop solenoid valve 40 Bath 41 Flow forward path 42 Flow return path 43 Circulation circuit 45 Three-way valve 47 Circulation pump 48 Water flow switch 49 Flow temperature sensor 60 Remote controller 70 Controller 71 Controller 72 Hot water supply control means 73 Tracking control means 74 Temperature discrimination control means 75 Detection abnormality discrimination means 80 Storage section

Claims (2)

A flow circulation circuit comprising a flow forward path for taking out hot water in the bathtub and a flow return path for returning hot water to the bathtub, additional heating means for heating the hot water flowing through the flow circulation circuit, and circulation driving of the hot water in the flow circulation circuit The circulation pump, the circulation control means for driving the circulation pump to raise the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub by the additional heating means, and the temperature of the hot water in the flow circulation circuit provided on the flow circulation circuit. A bath water temperature detecting device for determining a bath water temperature at the start of the chasing when the flow chasing is executed .
During the chasing operation by the chasing control means, the temperature detected by the flow temperature sensor is periodically compared, and when the new detected temperature becomes lower than the previous detected temperature, the number of times is counted. Temperature discrimination control means for counting by adding,
Detection abnormality determining means for determining as a temperature detection abnormality of the bathtub when the counting means has counted a predetermined number of times,
The temperature discrimination control means uses the temperature detected by the flow temperature sensor when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the circulation pump to start the chasing as the bath water temperature at the start of chasing. On the other hand, if the temperature periodically detected thereafter is lower than the previously detected temperature, it is determined that the previous bath water temperature has been erroneously detected, and the newly detected temperature is It is comprised so that it may update as bathtub water temperature of a bathtub, Bath water temperature detection apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned . The temperature discrimination control means is configured such that when the temperature detected by the flow temperature sensor is periodically compared during the chasing operation by the chasing control means, the new detected temperature is increased from the previous detected temperature. Although the counting means performs addition counting even when the temperature is not within the temperature rise range due to the previous detection temperature, it is normal when the new detection temperature is within the temperature rise range due to the previous detection temperature. state determines that clears the counted value is configured to initialize by the counting means, bathtub water temperature detection equipment according to claim 1.

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